A recent comment from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has sparked questions across the NASCAR world. He mentioned early talks about racing in Philadelphia, adding that “more NASCAR” is a good thing. But those words quickly raised concerns. Just two hours away sits Pocono Raceway, one of NASCAR’s most unique tracks. Its spot on the calendar has not changed—yet. With NASCAR expanding into new cities, this new idea has fans and insiders paying close attention to what may come next.
NASCAR in the City of Brotherly Love?
The buzz started with a few casual words from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro during a recent press event: “There’s some conversations [around NASCAR racing in Philadelphia]. First and foremost, we don’t want to do anything that undermines Pocono. But as Ben (Kennedy) says, the more NASCAR, the better. The more racing, the better.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro: "There's some conversations [around @NASCAR racing in Philadelphia]. First and foremost, we don't want to do anything that undermines Pocono. But as Ben (says), the more NASCAR the better. The more racing, the better." – @AP https://t.co/aC9NryXAHi
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) June 24, 2025
That one quote was all it took to light up NASCAR’s online fanbase.
While there are no formal announcements or confirmed race dates yet, the possibility of NASCAR entering the Philadelphia market signals a major shift in strategy—one that echoes the sport’s growing appetite for urban, high-profile events like the Chicago Street Race.
But nestled a couple of hours north in the Pocono Mountains sits one of NASCAR’s most iconic and unique ovals: Pocono Raceway. The 2.5-mile “Tricky Triangle” has long been a staple of the summer schedule. Now, some fans and insiders are wondering—if NASCAR adds Philly, could Pocono lose its place?
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Fan Fears and Familiar Frustrations
Fan response was immediate, emotional, and sharply divided.
“Well NASCAR’s logic seems to be pack up a venue with sellout crowds and then take the racing somewhere new like Chicago. Kind of like what happened with Road America,”
one user posted, echoing the fear that popular legacy tracks could be sacrificed in favor of newer, flashier markets.
“I disagree, you don’t want to oversaturate the area,”
added another, suggesting that running races in both Philadelphia and Pocono could divide attention—and ticket sales—between two relatively close markets.
Some even suggested alternate solutions:
“Or they can fix up Nazareth Speedway instead of having a race in a NCAA FCS stadium.”
It’s a nod to Pennsylvania’s dormant but historic motorsports scene, and a sign that fans are thinking about how to grow racing without cannibalizing existing venues.
Still, others welcomed the idea of expansion. “Pocono is great, but it needs to allow others to join. Pennsylvania is big enough to have three great tracks.” It’s a more optimistic take—one that sees Philadelphia as a partner, not a threat.
Pocono’s Recent Momentum
It’s important to note that Pocono is not a struggling venue. In fact, the track has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with packed grandstands, strong racing product, and increased fan engagement. The track’s unique triangle layout provides some of the most unpredictable racing on the calendar, and it remains a favorite among many longtime fans.
After previously hosting two annual races, Pocono was cut back to one Cup Series date in 2022—part of NASCAR’s broader scheduling shuffle aimed at creating scarcity and buzz around each event. Despite that, the single race has consistently drawn strong crowds, showing the venue still has life and loyalty in it.
So why would NASCAR even entertain the idea of moving into Philadelphia?
The Lure of a New Market
Philadelphia, one of America’s largest cities and home to a passionate sports culture, represents a huge media market that NASCAR has barely scratched. The idea of a street course through the heart of the city—à la Chicago—brings potential buzz, sponsor interest, and the type of viral marketing moment NASCAR has leaned into recently.
Street races also bring NASCAR to the fans rather than requiring fans to travel hours to a rural racetrack. It’s part of a broader strategy to meet audiences where they live, shop, and share content—especially the younger demographic NASCAR has been aggressively targeting.
The potential move to Philly would fit NASCAR’s desire for novelty and reach. But that doesn’t mean it won’t come at a cost.
NASCAR’s History of Market Shuffling
Fans’ fear isn’t unfounded. Road America, once praised for its fan-friendly atmosphere and unique layout, lost its date after just two years. Auto Club Speedway in California is undergoing a years-long transformation with no clear return. Chicagoland and Kentucky are gone. And each time, the narrative was the same: expansion comes with trade-offs.
NASCAR is no longer just a regional stock car series. It’s aiming for global relevance—and with that ambition comes hard decisions. Tracks like Pocono, beloved by purists and locals, often find themselves on shaky ground when compared to the big-city events drawing media buzz.
News in Brief: NASCAR replacing Pocono with a Philadelphia race
NASCAR’s flirtation with a Philadelphia race raises exciting possibilities—and difficult questions. While Governor Shapiro insists no harm will come to Pocono Raceway, the fanbase remains wary. Past changes have shown that tradition doesn’t always win out over strategy. For now, Pocono is safe—but if Philadelphia does land a race, the Tricky Triangle may need to fight harder than ever to keep its place on the calendar.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does NASCAR own Pocono Raceway?
A. Since opening in 1969, the track has hosted a range of events, including NASCAR, IndyCar Series, and IMSA GT Championship races. It is owned by Mattco, Inc. and operated under the leadership of CEO Nick Igdalsky.
Q. Who owns Pocono Speedway?
A. Joseph “Doc” Mattioli, founder and owner of Pocono Raceway, left a lasting legacy in both motorsports and philanthropy.
